Career opportunities with the Agricultural Research Service

Historic, Arcliive Document

Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.

/^^\\ United States
p] Department of
w Agriculture

Agricultural
Research Service

Program Aid 1310

Career Opportunities
With the
Agricultural
Research Service

[J LP

r >

-<

An Equal Opportunity Employer

Contents

All appointments and promo-
tions to positions in the Agricultural
Research Service (ARS), U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA),
are based on competitive principles.
This policy ensures that all persons
who are qualified have an equal
chance to obtain a position. Selec-
tions and promotions are based on
merit, without regard to race, color,
sex, marital status, religion, age,
nondisqualifying physical handicap,
national origin, political affiliation, or
any other nonmerit consideration.

Qualifications for positions with
ARS are determined by educational
background, previous work experi-
ence, and, when appropriate, scores
on examinations administered by the
U.S. Officeof Personnel f\/lanagement
or the employing agency. Examina-
tions for some positions involve a writ-
ten test.

The Agricultural Research Serv-
ice is committed to improving the
status of women and minorities in
Governmenttoday. It needs and
wants more qualified women and
minorities in the ARS work force and is
actively seeking such candidates to
fill professional positions. Opportuni-
ties for entry into these positions have
never been greater. There are promo-
tion and development opportunities to
furtherencourage advancement. We
are striving for equality of opportunity
through our Affirmative Action Pro-
grams, which include the Federal
Women's Program, the Hispanic
Employment Program, and the Place-
ment Program forthe Handicapped
and Disabled Veterans.

Prepared by
Personnel Division,
Agricultural Research
Service

Revised January 1985

Federal job information and the hiring process

Job listing by college major

The Agricultural Research Service technician
The Agricultural Research Service scientist

Salaries and benefits

Training opportunities

Application procedures for Federal jobs

The examination process

Special programs

Other agricultural employment

Address of personnel office

Foreword

This booklet presents information
aboutFederal careersand obtaining
Federal employment within the U.S.
Department of Agriculture, Agricul-
tural Research Service (ARS). Forthe
student, the booklet is intended asa
reference for investigating the variety
of career choices, particularly within
agriculture, offered in today's Federal
service.

Federal Job Information
And the Hiring Process

Positions in the Federal career
service and, thus, in the Agricultural
Research Service are filled through
the competitive merit system.
Appointments are based on the
applicant's ability to do the work as
demonstrated in competition with oth-
ers.

For one part of the career-service
hiring process, the U.S. Office of Per-
sonnel fVlanagement (OPfvl) operates
a network of area offices located in
population centers throughoutthe
country. These offices announce job
opportunities and process applica-
tions from the general public. They
maintain applicant inventories and
eligibility lists and refer the best dual i-
fied candidates to Federal agencies
who are seeking new employees.
Announcements typically give brief

descriptionsof the jobs available and
their locations and pay rates, explain
the experience or education needed,
and wnether a written test is required.

Federal Job Information Centers
(FJIC's) of 0PM are local offices that
offer an information service on
Federal employmentopportunities,
particularly in the immediate vicinity.
For answers to your questions about
Federal job opportunities, visit or write
the Federal Job Information Center
nearest you.

Forthe second part of the career
system, individual agencies of the
Federal Government may announce
certain job opportunities and accept
and process applications from the
general public. Special examining
units provide those services. ARS
currently does its own hiring in the fol-
lowing fields:

1 . Specialized USDA life science
positionsthatare professional
research positions, grades GS-9
through GS-1 5. These positions are
advertised in a monthly vacancy list-
ing which is mailed to most universi-
ties and all Federal Job Information
Centers. Because of the cost
involved, individual names cannot be
added to the mailing list. Candidates
must submit a separate, complete
application for each vacancy for
which they wish to apply.

2. All senior-level positions
(mostly positions at GS-1 3, 14, and
1 5) in ARS and three other closely
related USDA organizations;
managerial or or technical staff posi-
tions for Biological Aids, Biological
Technicians, Biological Laboratory
Technicians, or Agricultural
Research Technicians (GS-4,5,6,7,8,
and 9) in ARS in Washington, D.C.,

West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland,
New York (except Orient Point), and
Pennsylvania (except Philadelphia);
and positions for Nutritionist in ARS,
GS-5 through 1 2. Positions are adver-
tised on individual announcements
sent to offices or organizations and
will be posted at appropriate Federal
Job Information Centers for varying
lengths of time.

Inquiries should be directed to
USDA, ARS Personnel Division, Per-
sonnel Operations Branch, Building
003, BARC-West, Beltsville, Md.
20705.

The U.S. Office of Personnel
Management and the Agricultural
Research Service invite you to call or
visit before writing a letter or filling out
an application forajob. They have
trained professionalstoassistyou in
securing appropriate job announce-
ments, application forms, and pam-
phlets to help applicants through the
proper procedures. Federal Job Infor-
mation Centers and the Agricultural
Research Service offices are open to
serve you Mondays through Fridays,
except legal holidays.

There also are a few temporary
and excepfec/service positions in the
Federal Government. Because they
fill a unique need or are not expected
to last for a long time, these positions
are not filled through the career com-
petitive examining process admin-
istered by 0PM. This booklet provides
information on some of these types of
positions, which frequently include
special employment programs
reserved for students. An important
difference inthetreatmentof the
career versus the temporary or
excepted service position is that ARS
acceptsall applicationsforthe latter
and selects successful candidates
without going through the 0PM or
special examining units.

2

Accounting

Botany

Job Listing By College Major

This is a listing of the major fields
of study which are considered valu-
able background for employment in
the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Under each study field or major, we
have listed the types of positions that
apply. Specialization within the major
may be necessary for certain posi-
tions. The listings are simply
representative of the types of jobs
available.

Positions that particularly apply
to the Agricultural Research Service
are indicated by an asterisk. Employ-
ment projections for A RS for the
current year are contained in a slip
sheet accompanying this booklet.

Most College Majors

'Administrative Assistant/Officer
'Budget Analyst

Computer Specialist

Criminal Investigator

Food Program Specialist

Import Specialist

Industrial Specialist

Investigator (General)
•Management Analyst
'Personnel Specialist

Public Information Specialist
'Realty Specialist
'Safety Officer

'Supply Management Specialist
'Writerand Editor

'Accountant

Agricultural Marketing Specialist
'Contract Negotiator
'Economist

Investigator (General)
'Supply ManagementSpecialist

Agriculture or Agricultural Services

Agricultural Commodity Grader
Agricultural Management Specialist
Agricultural Marketing Specialist
Agricultural Market Reporter

'Agricultural Research Technician

'Animal Scientist

'Entomologist

'Hydrologist

'Plant Scientist (various
specializations)

'Range Conservationist/Scientist

'Realty Specialist

'Soil Conservationist

'Wildlife Biologist

Architecture

'Architect
'Realty Specialist

Bacteriology

'Microbiologist

Biology or Biological Sciences

Agricultural Commodity Grader
Agricultural Management Specialist

'Animal Scientist

'Biologist

'Biological Laboratory Technician
'Entomologist

Environmentalist

Geologist

Medical Technologist
'Microbiologist
'Pharmacologist
'Physiologist
'Plant Scientist

'Range Conservationist/Scientist

'Statistician

'Wildlife Biologist

•Zoologist

'Entomologist
'Hydrologist
'PlantScientist
'Range Scientist
'Wildlife Biologist

Business Administration

'Administrative Assistant/Officer
Agricultural Commodity Grader
Agricultural Marketing Specialist

'Budget Analyst

'Contract Negotiator
Financial Institution Examiner

'Industrial Relations Specialist
Investigator (General)
Loan Specislist

'Personnel Specialist

'Printing Specialist

•Realty Specialist

'Statistician

'Supply Management Specialist
Chemistry

Agricultural Commodity Grader
'Chemist

Compliance Investigator

Forest Products Technologist
'Geologist
'Hydrologist

Medical Technologist
'Microbiologist

Oceanographer

Patent Examiner
'Pharmacologist
'Physical Science Technician

Quality Assurance Specialist

Commercial Art

'Illustrator

'Printing Specialist

'Visual Information Specialist

Dietetics

Dietitian

3

Economics

Agricultural Commodity Grader
Agricultural Marketing Specialist
Agricultural Market Reporter

*Budget Analyst

'Industrial Relations Specialist
Investigator (General)
Loan Specialist
Operations Research Analyst

'Printing Specialist

'Statistician

'Supply ManagementSpecialist
Education

Extension Specialist
'Statistician

Engineering

'Engineer (various branches)
'Engineering Technician
'Environmentalist

Forest Products Technologist
'Geologist
'Hydrologist

Patent Examiner

Quality Assurance Specialist
'Realty Specialist
'Statistician

English

'Printing Specialist

'Public Affairs Specialist/Officer

'Writer-Editor

Entomology

'Entomologist

Finance

Industrial Relations Specialist
Investigator (General)
Loan Specialist
'Realty Specialist

Fine Arts

'Illustrator

'Visual Information Specialist

Food Technology

Agricultural Commodity Grader
'Food Technologist

Forestry

Cartographer
Forester

Forest Products Technologist
Park Ranger
Realty Specialist

Geology

Geologist
'Hydrologist
'Realty Specialist

Home Economics

Agricultural Commodity Grader
Home Economist

Hydrology

'Hydrologist

Industrial Management

'Administrative Assistant
'Budget Analyst
'Industrial Relations Specialist
'Industrial Specialist
Investigator (general)
'Printing Specialist
'Supply ManagementSpecialist

Journalism

'Writer-Editor

'Public Affairs Specialist/Officer

Landscape Architecture or Design

Landscape Architect

Law

Agricultural Marketing Specialist
Attorney

'Contract Negotiator

Criminal Investigator

Investigator (general)

Loan Specialist
'Realty Specialist
'Supply ManagementSpecialist

Tax LawSpecialist

Library Science

Librarian

Library Technician

Marketing

Agricultural Commodity Grader
Agricultural Marketing Specialist
Agricultural Market Reporter

'Contract Negotiator

'Statistician

'Supply ManagementSpecialist
Mathematics

Agricultural Marketing Specialist
'Chemist
'Economist
'Geologist

Geophysicist
'Hydrologist
'Mathematician

Meterorologist

'Operations Research Analyst
'Statistician

Medicine

'Medical Officer (Physician)

'Pharmacologist

'Nutritionist

Microbiology

'Microbiologist

Nursing

Nurse

Operations Research

Operations Research Analyst

Pharmacology

'Pharmacologist

Physical Sciences

Cartographer
'Chemist

Environmentalist
'Hydrologist
'Patent Examiner
'Pharmacologist
'Physicist

'Physical Science Technician
'Statistician

4

Physics

•Engineer

Forest Products Technologist
'Geologist
'Hydrologist

Meteorologist
'Patent Examiner
'Physicist

Physiology

'Pharmacologist
'Physiologist

Political Science

'Administrative Assistant/Officer
'Budget Analyst
'Industrial Relations Specialist
'Management Analyst
'Personnel Specialist
Sociologist

Psychology

'Personnel Specialist
Statistician

Public Administration

'Administrative Assistant/Officer
'Budget Analyst
'Industrial Relations Specialist
Investigator (general)
'Personnel Specialist
'Management Analyst

Range Management

'Range Scientist

Social Sciences

Investigator (general)
'Personnel Specialist
'Realty Specialist
'Statistician

Sociology

'Personnel Specialist

Veterinary Medicine

'Animal Scientist
'Pharmacologist
'Veterinary Medical Officer

Zoology

'Entomologist
'Physiologist
'Wildlife Biologist
'Zoologist

The Agricultural Research Service
Technician

Many vacancies in ARS are for
biological, physical science, and
engineering technicians. Many appli-
cants forthese postitions have
bachelor's degrees, although this is
notspecifically required. Applicants
with specific backgrounds in soil sci-
ence; animal science; range science;
microbiology; chemistry; biochemis-
try; plant science; chemical, agricul-
tural, and civil engineering; and ento-
mology havethe bestemployment
opportunities. Most of these positions
are filled at the GS-4 or GS-5 level,
with promotion potential to GS-7. In
some instances, technicians can be
promoted to grades as high as GS-1 1 .

Technicians provide technical
support and assistance to profession-
al personnel engaged in scientific and
technical work in the biological and
agricultural sciences.

Biological technicians, biological
laboratory technicians, and agricul-
tural research technicians perform
technical work in biological and agri-
cultural laboratories, fields,
greenhouses, and other experimental
areas. Their work involves media
preparation, plant propagation, speci-
men collection, harvesting, applica-
tion of various treatments, data col-
lection and processing, report
preparation, andsimilartasks.

Engineering technicians perform
technical work in engineering
research, development, design, or
other engineering functions. Duties
include testing materials and equip-
ment; installing, calibrating, and
operating laboratory and field equip-
ment and instruments; compiling and
processing data; and preparing
technical reports, plans, specifica-
tions, and other related work.

Physical science technicians
perform technical work in chemistry,
physics, food science, and other
related physical sciences. They
assist professional employees by
calibrating and operating measuring
instruments, mixing solutions, making
chemical analyses, setting up and
operating test apparatus, and by com-
piling and processing data.

Experience requirements for
technician grades are indicated
below. General experience isthat
which has been acquired through
routine work in a laboratory orfield
situation. Specialized experience is
similarto that described in the section
on the duties of each type of techni-
cian.

Years of Years of Years of

general

specialized

total

experi-

experi-

experi

Grade

ence

ence

ence

GS-4

1 V2

V2

2

GS-5

2

1

3

GS-7

2

3

5

Appropriate education above the
high school level may be substituted
for experience; course work must be
related to the position. Two years of
college study in an appropriatefield
may be substituted for the GS-4
experience requirements. Completion
of all the requirements for a
bachelor's degree in an appropriate
field of study may be substituted for all
experience required atthe GS-5 level.

5

The Agricultural Research Service
Scientist

ARS currently employs about
2,800 professional scientists,
representing 30 scientific disciplines,
in grades GS-5 through GS-16.The
most common professions represent-
ed are chemist, entomologist, soil
scientist, plant physiologist, agrono-
mist, agricultural engineer, plant
pathologist, and geneticist. Otherdis-
ciplines, including veterinarian,
chemical engineer, food technologist,
hydrologist, and mathematician, are
represented to a lesser extent.

In general, the following combina-
tions of education or experience in the

appropria te fieldare required to quali-
fy forthe grade level shown:

GS-5 Fouryears of post high school
education in a bachelor's
degree program

GS-7 Requirements forGS-5 plus 1
year of graduate education or
1 yearof professional experi-
ence.

GS-9 Requirements forGS-5 plus 2
years of graduate education,
completion of all require-
ments for a master's degree,
or 2 years of progressively
responsible professional
research experience.

GS-11 Requirements forGS-5 plus3
years of graduate education,
completion of all require-
ments for a doctoral degree,
orSyearsof progressively
responsible professional
research experience
appropriate to the position
being filled.

The majority of ARS scientists are
hired atthe GS-1 1 leveloraboveand
are recent Ph.D.'s in the biological and
physical sciences. There are few
GS-5 and 7 positions filled by appli-
cants with bachelor's degrees.
Opportunities for advancement
beyond GS-1 1 without Ph.D. level
education are limited.

Salaries And Benefits

Professional, administrative,
technical, and clerical employees are
paid under the General Schedule (GS)
pay plan, a seriesof grades from 1 to
1 5 and steps within those grades from
1 to 10. A copy of the current GS
salary scale is enclosed as part of this
kit.

When hired, an individual is nor-
mally paid at the first step of the grade
of the position. After a specific waiting
period, he or she becomes eligible for
a within-grade step increase. For
example, a newly hired GS-5 receives
pay at the GS-5, step 1 , rate and 1 year
later could be advanced to GS-5, step
2. The increase is based upon satis-
factory performance of the required
duties.

The waiting periodsforwithin-
grade increase eligibilty are as fol-
lows:

To steps 2, Sand 4— 52weekseach
To steps 5,6 and 7 — 104weekseach
To steps 8,9 and 1 0—1 56 weeks each

Annual pay rates are based on a
40-hour work week. Salaries of part-
time employees are reduced in pro-
portion to the number of hours

6

I

worked. Bothfull-timeand part-time
positions are available in ARS.

In addition to the periodic raises,
each yearthe President signs an Exe-
cutive Pay Adjustment, which is gen-
erally based upon the prevailing
salaries paid by private industry
nationwide.

Promotion, with accompanying
pay increases, to higher GS levels can
be based on an established target
grade for the original position, or on a
move to a different position rated at a
highergrade level. Advancement
opportunities are based upon the
Merit Promotion Plan, which allows
employees the opportunity to com-
pete for higher grade level positions
for which they become qualified.

All permanent and most tem-
porary employees are entitled to
annual (vacation) leaveandsick
leave. Annual leave is provided not
only for vacations but also for time
employees may request to be absent
from their jobs for other reasons.
These could include a few hours off to
take care of personal business
matters or to pick up or leave children
at school. Sick leave is provided for
medical and dental appointmentsas
well as for periods of illness. Annual
leave accrues at the rate of 4 hours
per 2-week pay period during the first
3 years of Federal Government serv-
ice, 6 hours per pay period during 4to
1 5 years of service, and 8 hours per
pay period after 1 5 years of service.
Military service is credited toward the
accrual rate. Employees receive 4
hours of sick leave per pay period
regardless of length of service.

The Government contributes to
the cost of an employee's health and
life insurance policies and retirement
program. Fringe benefits in Govern-
ment jobs generally compare favor-
ably with thosein private industry.

Training Opportunities

ARS encourages self-
improvement for all employees. To
supportthis, ARS offers training in
fields that are, or will be, directly relat-
ed to the performance of official
duties by the employee. Such training
may be in scientific, professional,
technical, or administrative fields.

Programs similar to those offered
by major universities for their profes-
sional employees are available to
allow ARS employees to expand their
areas of expertise. Scientists are also
encouraged to participate in the pro-
fessional societies and meetings
appropriate to theirfields.

Many ARS facilities are located at
or near colleges and universities.
This facilitates continuing education
in out-of-service training programs.

In addition, othertraining pro-
grams are available to ARS employ-
ees. For example, the USD A Graduate
School offers clerical, administrative,
and managementcorrespondence
courses and day and evening
courses. 0PM conducts training in
clerical, administrative, procurement,
and managementfields. Examplesof
0PM training includeeffective written
communication, leadership dynam-
ics, and fiscal procedures for Govern-
mentoperations.

Usually, ARS pays for the training
and mayallowemployeestoattend
training on official work time, if the
training is directly related to work
assignments.

Application Procedures
For FederalJobs

0PM and the special examining
units, as previously discussed, arethe
only offices that can accept applica-
tions for permanent positions under
the normal Federal employment proc-
ess. Opportunities to apply for posi-
tions are announced by 0PM or ARS
when vacancies are anticipated.

After an examination or position
vacancy is announced, applications
are accepted as long as the
announcement is open. In most
instances, the closing date for accep-
tanceof application isstated in the
announcement. Sometimes theclos-
ing date is not stated; public noticeof

7

the closing date is given later. Under
certain conditions, recently separat-
ed military personnel may apply after
the closing date. Veterans should
contact 0PM for more information.

Applicants should apply only for
positionsforwhich they meetthe
experience, education, and physical
requirements. A physical handicap
will never disqualify an applicant so
long as the applicant can do the work
efficiently without hazard to himself or
herself or others.

Only U.S. citizens may apply for
competitive examinations.

Applicants should ensure that the
announcement covers their desired
geographic area. The same type of
work in two different States may be
covered by twodifferentannounce-
ments.

If applicants indicate they will
accept employment only in certain
geographic locations, they will be
considered for employment only in the
areas they specify. Applications are
normally accepted from studentswho
expect to complete, within 9 months,
courses that would enable them to
meetthe qualification requirements of

a specific position. The Federal job
application form is Standard Form
171, Personal Qualifications State-
ment. Thisform and any supplemen-
tal forms required can be obtained at
0PM offices, the ARS personnel office
listed on the last page of this booklet,
and some post offices. A copy of an
applicant's college transcript may
also be required as part of an applica-
tion.

It is vital that job application forms
be completed carefully and accurate-
ly. All importantfactsabout education
and experience must be included,
since applications must be complete
to receive employment consideration.
If information is missing, 0PM or ARS
may contactthe applicant, butthis
takes time and delays action. Ordi-
narily, applicants will be given only
one opportunity to furnish additional
information. If replies are not received
promptly, the requesting office will
assume the applicant is no longer
interested, and nofurtheremploy-
ment consideration will begiven.

Applicants will be considered
only for positions at or above the
minimum salary or grade indicated on
their application as acceptable. Appli-
cants will also be rated for the highest
grade level for which they qualify.
(See the General Schedule Salary
Chart included with this bookletfor
grade and salary levels.)

Persons who apply under an
announcementand meetthe require-
ments are called "eligibles."

Eligibles will be notified of exami-
nation results (Notice of Rating form)

by the announcing office. The exami-
nation process is explained in the next
section. Please note that "examina-
tion" does not necessarily mean a
written test.

An eligible should notify the
announcing office of any changes in
address, name, availability, orother
essential information. When doing so,
be sure to give your full name, title of
the announcement, and your date of
birth.

As an eligible, your chance of get-
ting a job depends on how high you
stand on the list relative to other el igi-
blesandtothe numberof jobsthat
Government agencies are filling from
the list or the announcement.

In ARS, as in all Government
agencies, the personnel office
prepares and forwards to the person
filling the job (the selecting official) a
list of the eligible applicants. That per-
son must choose from among the top
three available candidates.

What happens if you are not
selected? If you had filed forthe posi-
tion with 0PM, that office will put your
application on lists it sends to other
agenciesthatarefilling positions. If
you had filed with a special examining
unit, your application will not be
returned to you.

Eligibles should respond prompt-
ly to any inquiry as to availability, per-
sonal interview, or job offer to receive
full employment consideration.

8

The Examination Process

A. Positions Not Requiring
A Written Test

If your major is in a specialty list-
ed below, you may apply for employ-
ment under a special announcement
for the position. You will be rated for
the position based on your education,
experience, or background, as stated
in your application. Applicants should
ask for copies of job announcements
and appropriate forms for filing from a
college placementoffice, a Federal
Job Information Center, or a special
examining unit.

Accountant

Aerospace Technologist

Animal Scientist

Architect

Astronomer

Bacteriologist

Biological Technician

Biologist

Border Patrol Agent

Cartographer

Chemist

Correctional Officer

Engineer

Entomologist

Equipment Specialist

Estate Tax Examiner

Forester

Geodesist

Geophysicist

Hospital Administrator

Hydrologist

Illustrator

Internal Revenue Agent
Landscape Architect
Librarian

Manual Arts Therapist

Mathematician

Medical Record Librarian

Metallurgist

Meteorologist

Microbiologist

Nurse

Oceanographer
Occupational Therapist
Patent Examiner
Pharmacist

Physical Science Technician

Physicist

Physiologist

Plant PestControl Inspector
Plant Quarantine Inspector
Plant Scientist

Prison Administrative Worker
Range Conservationist
Refuge Manager
Social Worker

Soil Conservationist/Scientist
Special Agent

Speech Pathologistand Audiologist

Statistician

Teacher

Therapist

Urban Planner

Veterinarian

B. Certain Professional and
Administrative Career Positions

There are certain positions that
do not require a degree in any particu-
lar specialty. Generally, these posi-
tions will be filled through internal
agency sources; reinstatement to
Government service of individuals
with civil service status; or with
Federal employees being displaced
from their positions through no fault of
their own. If unable to fill the vacan-
ciesthrough existing resources,
recruitment will be made through oth-
er means, as advertising the vacan-
ciesatOPM's Federal Job Information

9

Centers or at state EmploymentServ-
iceoffices. Many positions of this type
are listed below:

Adjudicating
Administrative Officer
Appraising and Assessing
Agricultural and Fisheries

Marketing Reporter
Agricultural Program Specialist
AirTraffic Control Specialist
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms

Inspection
Archeology
Archivist

Bond Sales Promotion
Budgeting and Accounting
Budget Administration
Building Management
Cargo Scheduling
Civil Service Retirement

Claims Examining
Communications Management
Communications Specialist
Community Planning
ComputerSpecialist (trainee)
Contact Representative
Contractor Industrial Relations
Criminal Investigation
Crop Insurance Administration
Customs Inspection
Customs Marine Officer
Digital Computer Systems

Administration

Economist

Education Research and

Program Specialist
Employee Development Specialist
Facilities Management
Financial Analysis
Financial Institution Examining
Food Assistance Program Specialist
Foreign Affairs

General Accounting, Clerical, and

Administrative
General Arts and Information
General Anthropology
General Businessand Industry
General Claims Examining
General Clerical and Administration
General Education and Training
General Investigation
General Transportation
Geography

Highway Safety Management
History

Hospital Housekeeping Management

Housing Management

Immigration Inspection

ImportSpecialist

Industrial Property Management

Industrial Specialist

Insurance Examining

Intelligence

Internal Revenue Officer

International Relations

Labor Management and Employee

Relations
Labor Management Relations

Examining
Legal Assistance
Legal Clerical and Administrative
Librarian
Loan Specialist
Logistics Management
Management Analysis
Manpower Development
Manpower Research and Analysis
Museum Curator
Occupational Analysis
Outdoor Recreation Planner

Park Management
Passport and Visa Examining
Personnel Management
Personnel Staffing
Position Classification
Printing Management
Production Control Specialist
Program Analysis
Property Disposal
Psychology

Public Health Inspection

Public Health Program Specialist

Public Information

Public Utility Specialist

Quality Assurance Specialist

Realty

Safety Management

Salary and Wage Administration

Security Administration

Social Insurance Administration

Social Insurance Claims Examiner

Social Science

Social Services

Sociology

Supply Group

Tax Law Specialist

Tax Technician

Technical Information Services
Technical Writing and Editing
Trade Specialist
Traffic Management
Transport Operations
Transportation Loss and Damage

Claims Examining
Unemployment Compensation Claims

Examining
Unemployment Insurance
Veterans Claims Examining
Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors
Wage and Compliance Specialist
Wageand Hour Law Administration
WorkersCompensation Claims

Examining
Writing and Editing

10

Special Employment Programs

0PM and other Federal agencies
including ARS actively participate in a
fewspecial programs offering
employment to students. These spe-
cial student-related employment pro-
grams are:

1 .The Presidential Management
Intern Program

2. The Youth Work Experience Pro-

gram

3. Cooperative Education

(a) High School Students

(b) Associate-Degree
Students

(c) Baccalaureate-Degree
Students

(d) Graduate Students

4. The Faculty Fellowship Program

5. Veteran Readjustment Act

6. College Work Study

7. Selective Placement Programs

1 . The Presidential Management
Intern Program

Under this program, up to 200 out-
standing graduate students in public
management enter ARS and other
parts of Federal service for 2- to 3-
year internships. These interns
represent the highest caliber students
of their schools. They are expected to
possess a personal commitment to
excellence, exceptional ability and

achievement, strong leadership quali-
ties, and demonstrated interest in a
public service management career.

By drawing participants from the
diverse student population of the
country's graduate schools of public
management, the program creates a
continuing source of highly trained
and qualified men and women from a
variety of social and cultural back-
grounds to meet the challenges of
governmental management.

The Presidential Management
Intern Program provides for appoint-
ments to developmental positions
throughout the executive branch of
the Federal Government. Interns are
expected to apply the special skills
they have acquired in graduate school
and through any previous employ-
ment. Upon the successful comple-
tion of their internships, participants
may have their status converted to a
career-conditional appointment.
Interns work at headquarters, region-
al offices, and other field installations.
The work of interns falls into such
categories as program planning and
evaluation, policy analysis, financial
management, labor relations, person-
nel management, program/manage-
ment analysis, and administrative and
management services. Specific work
assignments are based on the needs
of the particular agency and the
interests and capabilities of the
interns.

Interns, for example, might work
on an agency's budget request and
justification, write speeches, review
proposed legislation, answer
congressional inquiries, draft reports,
or analyze organizational patterns
and structures. Assignments involve
significant work on pending issues in
such program areas as natural
resources, community and human
development, and intergovernmental
relations, and demand flexibility, a
willingness to work hard, and the
capacity to learn quickly.

A distinguishing feature of the
intern program is its educational
aspect. Participants attend orienta-
tion sessions at the beginning of their
assignments and special seminars
and training programs throughout
their internships. It is expected that
agencies will prepare career develop-
ment plans for each intern, in addition,
career counseling will be made avail-
able.

General Information

Eligibility: Persons enrolled in
graduate schools who will be receiv-
ing advanced degrees with a concen-
tration in public management during
the academic year are eligible to
applyforthe program.

Application Process: Application
forms are available from the deans of
graduate schools offering degrees in
public management or from 0PM. Stu-
dents interested in being considered
forthe program mustbe nominated by
the deans of their school. Applica-
tions, therefore, should be submitted
to the deans, nof to 0PM. The number
of nominations from anyone school is
limited.

Selection: Nominations will be
submitted to 0PM, which will
schedule regional screening panels
to interview candidates. Panels will be
composed of representatives from
public agencies and other individuals
concerned with improved public
management. 0PM will select the
finalists.

Placement: Finalists will be
referred to several Federal agencies
for placement. Preferences as to
agencies, geographical locations,
and occupational fields will be
honored to the extent feasible. Offers
of employment will be made by the
agencies.

11

Pay and Benefits: Initial appoint-
ments will be made at grade GS-9.
Interns may receive career promo-
tions in accordance with existing pro-
motion guidelines. Interns will also be
eligible to participate in such benefit
programs as health and life insurance
and the Federal retirement system.

For Further Information: For
application forms and further informa-
tion on the Presidential Management
Intern Program, contact the dean of
your graduate school of public
management or 0PM 's Bureau of
Intergovernmental Personnel Pro-
grams, 1900EStreet, N.W., Washing-
ton, D.C. 2041 5.

2. The Youth Work Experience
Program

Everyone feels the need to
belong, to be of real value to others,
and to be recognized as a useful per-
son. The fulfillment of this human
desire is especially urgent for those
needy youth in America who often
view their own lives as pointless and
hopeless.

As an employer, the Federal
Government is well aware of this prob-
lem and has taken steps to alleviate it.

The youth work experience pro-
grams described in this publication
are designed to assist young people,
at least 1 6 years of age, to gain work
experience and to learn what will be
required of them later when they seek
full-time employment. As members of
the Agricultural Research Service or
other parts of the Federal work force,
these youths make significant contri-
butions. They are also able to use their

salaries to supplement their family
incomes, which is often necessary if
they are to return to or continue their
formal educations. Perhaps most
important of all, they can participate in
the affairs of Governmentand test
themselves as working and achieving
young adults.

The opportunity for substantial
numbers of needy young people to
obtain summer work experience with
the Federal Government as an
employer was first initiated in the
spring of 1 965. Since that time, the
Federal Employment Program for
Youth (also known as Summer Aid
Program) has grown dramaticaliy.
Employees underthis program are
paid at the Federal minimum wage
rate established by the Fair Labor
Standards Act.

Agencies are asked to provide
meaningful work assignments, as
opposed to "make- work" jobs. The
result is that most often the youths are
employed as aids in a variety of occu-
pational fields. They are able to visu-
alize widening opportunities for their
futures as they are exposed to the
challenges of our society. In addition,
the agencies emphasize special
activities which provide the partici-
pants with a well-balanced summer
employment experience. Orientation
programs, job-related training, and
cultural enrichment opportunities
have all proved to be effective supple-
ments to job assignments.

Individuals selected for this pro-
gram must first be certified as eligible
by an office of the State employment
service in their local communities.
Preference is given to those youths
whose family incomes are at or near
the poverty level. No specific
knowledge or skill is required.

Every effort is made to place
applicants in work assignments com-
mensurate with their interests and

abilities. Past work history and the
availability of adequate transportation
to the job site are among the other fac-
tors considered before placement.

Referrals of summer aids are nor-
mally made by local officesof the
State Employment Service in the
spring of each year. However,
appropriate school officials and other
neighborhood workers may assist in
the recruitment of youths who would
qualify as summer employees of the
Federal Government.

Work activity under the Federal
Summer Employment Program for
Youth is scheduled for the period May
1 3 through September 30 of each
year.

The primary goal of the second
youth work experience program,
known as the "Stay-in-School Pro-
gram," istogive needy students a
chance to work part time in Federal
agencies, thus allowing them to con-
tinue their educations without inter-
ruption caused byfinancial pres-
sures.

Young people, at least 1 6 years of
age, who are enrolled as students in
an accredited secondary school or
institution of higher learning, not
above the baccalaureate level, and
who meet the financial need criteria of
the program, are permitted to work up
to 20 hours a week during the school
year and 40 hours a week during
vacation periods. The work assign-
ments are varied. Some agencies,
becauseof the nature of theiropera-
tions, are able to employ youths at
times other than the customary work-
ing hours.

It is important in all instances, that
youths appointed as part of this pro-
gram are, in the opinions of their
school counselors and principals,
capable of maintaining an acceptable
academic standard in theirschool
work.

When suitable job openings are
available in Federal agencies, local
offices of the State Employment Serv-
ice, as well as student financial aid
officers, guidance counselors, and

12

appropriate faculty members, refer
applicantsfor these jobs. Appoint-
ments can be made any time during
the year, except for the period May 1 3
through August31 (whensummer
jobs are filled as a result of either a
summer employment examination or
other agency programs). However,
employment of students already
working before May 1 3 may be contin-
ued throughout the summer months.

The regular rate of pay for partici-
pants in this program is fixed by the
employing agency, based upon the
duties assigned and the expected lev-
el of performance. No student will be
paid lessthan the Federal minimum
wage established by the Fair Labor
Standards Act.

Additional information about
these Federal employment programs
for needy youths may be obtained
from the local offices of the State
EmploymentServiceorthe nearest
Federal Job Information Center.

3. Federal Junior Fellowship Program

The Federal Junior Fellowship
Program puts the "earn-as-you-
learn" concept into practice. It gives
eligible students an opportunity to
earn money needed for college, as
well as a chance to learn about their
chosen careers through related work
experiences. Atthe same time, it pro-
vides ARS with highly motivated and
productive part-time employees who
develop into highly qualified candi-
dates for permanent Federal employ-
ment. Junior Fellows work during
summersand vacation periods while
in college but not while school is in
session. As skills and abilities
increase, students are given progres-
sively responsible duties. Upon com-
pletion of college studies, they are
ready for continuing Federal employ-
ment and are eligible for permanent
positions.

To be considered for the program
a student must:

• Be a graduating senior in an
accredited public or private
high school.

• Be in the upper 10 percenter,
in graduating classes of less
than 50, rank among the top 5.

• Needearningsfrom employ-
mentto help meet college
expenses. (Selections tothe
program are based on finan-
cial need and family income.)

• Be accepted forfull-time
enrollment in a baccalaureate
curriculum atan accredited
institution of higher learning.

• Be interested in pursuing a
Federal career aftergraduat-
ing from college.

• BeaU.S.citizenatthetimeof
appointment.

When ARSexpectsto haveopen-
ings for Junior Fellows, application
forms and other informational materi-
als are sent to local high schools (usu-
ally in early spring). Each school then
designates a coordinator (usually a
guidance counselor) who informsthe
senior class of the openings. Since all
candidates for the Junior Fellowship
Program must be nominated by their
school, students should contact their
coordinators to apply. Schools
choose their nominees from students
who express interest in the program.
Chances of referral depend upon the
students' academic area and the
extent of theirfinancial need.

ARS will contact several high
schools for each opening. Thus, once
a student has been nominated,
he/she will be competing with other
nominees from schools in the same
local area.

Junior Fellows are appointed at
the GS-2 grade level. After success-
fully completing one academic year of
college study and as long as the work
is satisfactory, they are eligible for

and may be promoted to the GS-3
grade level. At the end of 2 years of
academic study, students are eligible
for the GS-4 level. After completion of
three-fourths of their academic study,
students may be eligible for the GS-5
level.

Students must attend college on a
full-time basis and complete all
requirements for graduation within 5
years. They are expected to work a
minimum of 32 weeks before complet-
ing requirements forgraduation. Stu-
dents may work during any extended
college vacation periods that are part
of the school calendar (that is sum-
mer, Christmas, and spring breaks).
The first work assignment begins in
the summer aftergraduation from high
school.

Junior Fellows are assigned to
work with professional, technical, or
administrative employees in fields
related as closely as possible to their
educational objectives. Every effort is
made to give students training and
practical work experience for
developing competence in theiroccu-
pation by the time they graduate from
college.

4. Cooperative Education Programs

Cooperative education was ini-
tiated in the early 1 900's as a means
of strengthening student learning by
alternating classroom work with
study-related employment in the pub-
lic and private sectors. Forthe stu-
dent, it is a meansof earning and
learning. For the college sponsoring a
co-op program, it is a means of
strengthening the education process.
Forthe employer, it is an effective
recruitmentand low-costtraining
method.

Federal agencies, including
USDA's Agricultural Research Serv-
ice, utilize cooperative education pro-
grams primarily to identify and
prepare students for career appoint-
ments aftergraduation. Manystu-
dents are selected because they are
studying in fields related to occupa-
tions in which there is a shortage of
candidates.

13

Federal agenciesthat have had
substantial and extensive experience
in employing cooperative education
students give the program a high
overall assessment. Among the
values cited are:

• The chance to review Vi'ork
performance of students
before selecting them for
entry-level positions.

• A viable and cost-effective
tool in recruiting for hard-to-
fill positions, especially in
engineering and accounting.

• The feed-in of new findings
and theories from the educa-
tional environment.

• The encouragementof women
to secure jobs usually held by
men.

• The program'seffectiveness
in the recruitment of minority
candidates.

• The relatively low cost and
high effectivenessof training
co-op students compared with
that of training newly
employed graduates at higher
grade levels.

Detailed information on require-
ments for establishing or utilizing the
Federal cooperative education pro-
grams at any level (high-school
through graduate school) may be
obtained by contacting the nearest
Federal Job Information Centeror
0PM, Room 247, 1900 E Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 2041 5, or the ARS
Personnel Office listed on the last
page of this booklet.

Students interested in employ-
ment under the cooperative education
program should contact the program
coordinator or placement counselor
at their respective schools. Coopera-
tive education programs may be esta-
blished in four categories;

A. HighSchool

B. Associate-Degree Students in
Two-Year Educational Institution

C. Baccalaureate-Degree Students
in Four-Year Institution

D. Graduate Students

A. HighSchool

Relatively few agencies at this
time have cooperative education pro-
grams at the high school level. How-
ever, the Agricultural Research Serv-
ice is aware of the need to interest
women and minority students in the
physical and life sciences when they
are in high school and junior high
school. Get in touch with the ARS Per-
sonnel Office listed on the last page of
this booklet to find out about the
status of the program in ARS.

B. Two-Year College Programs

Students who are working toward
associate degrees in community and
junior colleges or qualifying technical
institutes are eligible for a cooperative
program at this level. The general
rules that apply are as follows:

1 . There must be a signed agree-
ment between the school and ARS
that provides for the student's pursuit
of an occupational field by combining
periods of study with periodsof
study-related paid employment.

2. Students must be in full-time
attendance at the educational institu-
tion (usually 1 2 hours per semester or
the equivalent), must be enrolled in a
qualifying cooperative education pro-
gram, and must be recommended for
employment by the appropriate offi-
cials at the educational institution.

3. A student's work assignments
must be closely related to his or her
majorfield of study.

4. The student must complete
course requirements for graduation in
2V2 years and, before graduation,
must work a total at least 26 weeks

(1 ,040 hours) to be eligible for non-
competitive conversion to a per-
manent appointment upon gradua-
tion. ARS and the school determine
the number of separate work periods
needed to meet these requirements.
Work periods are usually at least 60
calendar days long and are designed
to correspond to a semester or quar-
ter. The work cannot be scheduled
entirely during summer or school
vacations. Work may be scheduled on

a full-time or part-time basis. Stu-
dents cannot work more than 1 ,300
hours during any 1 2-month period.

5. Costs of students travel to their
first duty station generally will not be
paid.

C. Cooperative Education for
Baccalaureate-Degree Students

Students working toward a
bachelor's degree at an accredited
college or university can participate in
a cooperative education program. All
occupations within ARS are included.

Requirements for the 4-year stu-
dent are basically the same as those
listed for the 2-year student with the
following exceptions:

1 . The student may complete the
minimum work required (26 weeks or
1 ,040 hours) during 4 years of study.

2. At least two separate work
periods with ARS, interspersed with
full-time academic study, must be
completed before graduation.

3. One complete work period must
be completed during the first year a
student is on ARS's rolls. The one
work period must be within 1 8 months
of the student's expected graduation
date.

4. The student must maintain at
least a 2.00 grade point average on a
4.00 scale or an average grade of C.

5. When an institution's degree
program requires extended or
multiple-work periods, students may
expand the 1 ,300 hours service re-
striction to 2,600 hoursovera 24-
month period.

14

D. Cooperative Education for
Graduate Students

Requirements for students in a
cooperative education program at the
graduate level are similar to those for
the 2- or 4-year college student with
the following exceptions:

1 . A total equivalent to 16 weeks
of full-time employment in pay status
must be completed, with 1 ,300 hours
being the maximum number a student
may work during a 1 2- mo nth period.

2. Requirements for the master's
degree must be completed within 30
months. Requirements forthe Ph.D.
degree must be completed within 42
months after entering graduate
school.

3. The cooperative work period
generally will not occur while the stu-
dent is taking course work full time.

4. The work period may be con-
tinuous or in periods separated by
periods of full-time academic study.

5. The Faculty Fellowship Program

The Faculty Fellowship Program
makes it possible for bonafide
members of the faculty of an accredit-
ed college or university to work for
periods of 2 to 3 months in Federal
agencies. These appointments can be
useful to the agency by bringing in
faculty members who learn about
Federal programs and who then coun-
sel students better regarding career
goals and requirements. No written
test is required.

In the Agricultural Research
Service, faculty fellowship appoint-
ments have usually been made for
summer periods, but there is no
requirement which precludes their
use at other times. Such appoint-
ments have been useful in furthering
affirmative action goals through the
appointment of women and minorities.

Application on Standard Form
171 may be submitted directly to the
ARS personnel office listed on the last
page of this booklet.

Other faculty placement pro-
grams throughout the Government
include:

1. American Assembly of Collegi-
ate Schools of Business, Federa/
Faculty Fellowship Program in
Business and Administration

2. The American Association for
the Advancement of Science
Congressional Scientist-Fellow
Program

3. American Council on Education
Congressional Fellowship Pro-
gram

4. American Political Science
Association Congressional Fel-
lowship Program

5. American Society for Engineer-
ing Education (in cooperation
with the National Aeronautics
and Space Administration)
Summer Faculty Fellowships

6. The Brookings Institution
Economic Policy Fellowship
Program

7. Energy Research and Develop-
ment Administration Special
Faculty Research Program

8. National Association of Schools
of Public Affairs and Administra-
tion Faculty Fellows Program

9. National Research Council
Postdoctoral Research Associ-
ates hips

10. National Science Foundation
Postdoctoral Energy-Related
Fellowships

11. National Science Foundation
Scholars-in-Residence

12. National Urban League Summer
Fellowship Program

13. President's Commission on
White House Fellowships The
White House Fellows Program

14. Smithsonian Institution Smith-
sonian Opportunities for
Research and Study in History,
Artand Science

15. U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services Fellows Pro-
gram

16. U.S. Department of Education
Fellows Program

17. U.S. Departmentof Justice, Law
Enforcement Assistance
Administration Visiting Fellow-
ship Program

18. U.S. General Accounting Office
Faculty Fellowship Program

19. The Woodrow Wilson Interna-
tional Center for Scholars

6. Veterans' Readjustment Act
(VR A) Appointment

For appointment under this pro-
gram, an applicant must be a Vietnam
era veteran (those with service
between August 5, 1 964, and May 7,
1 975) discharged underotherthana
dishonorable discharge. The veteran
must have completed no more than 2
years of education beyond graduation
from high school (orequivalent) and
must agree to participate in an educa-
tional or on-the-job training program
designed to help attain career goals.
The education restriction is waived for
veterans with compensations and
veterans discharged because of
service-connected disabilities.
Appointments are made at grade GS-
7 or equivalent and below. Persons
eligible or interested in this type of
appointment may apply directly to the
ARS Personnel Office listed on the
last page of this booklet.

VRA appointees are eligible for
permanent Government positions
after 2 years of satisfactory perfor-
mance.

15

7, College Work Study Program

This program is designed to pro-
vide part-time work for students with
demonstrated financial need. The
program is operated by grants made
to certain colleges by the Department
of Education.

Placement is done in cooperation
with college placementoffices. Stu-
dents mustbeenrolledatan institu-
tion on at least a half-time basis and
must meet citizenship requirements.
Pay varies with the college. Students
should check with their local college
or university about programs in their
schools.

These appointments do not lead
to permanentGovernment positions.

8. Selective Placement Programs

These programs are designed to
assist handicapped individuals in
obtaining and retaining employment
consistent with their level of skills and
abilities and their capacity for safe
and efficient job performances. ARS
is committed to providing equal
opportunities to handicapped indivi-
duals through its recruitment efforts.

a. Unpaid Work Experience
Program— This program is designed
to provide unpaid work experience for
clients of State vocational rehabilita-
tion agencies and disabled veteran
clients of the Veterans Administra-
tion. The rehabilitation agency
inspects the work site for confor-
mance to safety standards. A working
agreement is then established and the
handicapped person is placed in a
temporary job. Paymentforthe work
experience program is provided
directly to the individual bythe reha-
bilitation agency.

b. Special Employment
Authorities— In addition tothe unpaid
work experience program, ARS has
authority to employ severely physical-
ly handicapped or mentally retarded
personswho have demonstrated their
ability to perform thedutiesof the
position satisfactorily on a temporary
basis or who are certified by coun-
selors of a rehabilitation agency as
likely tosucceed in performing the
duties. Handicapped persons who are
interested in a position in ARS should
contact the ARS personnel office list-
ed on the last page of this booklet or
have the sponsoring rehabilitation
agency do so.

Other Agricultural Employment

Although agriculture is one of the
largest industries in the United States,
the number of persons employed in
agricultural positions is small com-
pared with thetotal civilian work
force. However, additional employ-
ment opportunities are created as
national and international priorities
shiftto meetthe increasing need for
food and fiber. ARS and other organi-
zations sharethe responsibility for
meeting this need.

Information on opportunities for
agricultural workers in the Federal
Government is available in "The
Federal Career Directory," which may
be found in local libraries.

In addition to Federal Agencies,
agricultural work is performed by
State agencies; universities; col-
leges; private agricultural business,
such as chemical and seed com-
panies; and industry-supported
cooperatives. An excellent source of
information on agriculture careers is
"Occupational Outlook" published by
the U.S. Departmentof Labor. Copies
of this publication may be available in
school or local libraries or can be pur-
chased from the U.S. Government
Printing Office.

Address Of ARS Personnel Office

USDA-ARS
Personnel Division
Personnel Operations Branch
Building003, BARC-W
Beltsville,Md. 20705

16

I